Pre-cruise plan WWYD

[KGmomoftwins]

Looking for a little advice as I know coming up soon we are going to have to book the land part of our land and sea trip. A little background info. We will be flying in Thursday (9:30 am arrival MCO) before a 7 night fantasy cruise last week in August 2019. The day we are flying is our twins 7th birthday! Last trip we took for their 5th birthday we did a week at the Poly hitting everything but DHS. I’m looking at 2 options and would love some opinions or suggestions on the these plans or maybe even a different plan! Also most likely we won’t be back to the parks for 3-4 years and this is our first cruise.

Plan A

Stay at one of the monorail loop resorts.

Fly in day Head right over to MK as soon as we get in. Spend the day there. ADR a late birthday lunch or early dinner at CRT (we’ve already done this so not sure it would be magical again). Fireworks from hotel.

Day 2: Breakfast ADR at Trattoria Al Forno. Head to DHS for day.

Day 3: Breakfast somewhere on monorail leave for cruise!

Pros: Get our park fix 30 anniversary year of DHS
Cons: Top of our budget and seems like a lot jammed in! My DH HATES to many planned things on vacay hence the cruise!

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Plan B

Stay at one of the monorail loops resorts

Fly in day: hang out at hotel and swim. Birthday ADR at HDDR (never done) Fireworks from hotel.

Day 2: Breakfast ADR at Trattoria Al Forno. Go to MNSSHP (never done)

Day 3: Breakfast somewhere on monorail leave for cruise!

Pro: I love Halloween! Some new experience well below budget.

Con: Makes me nervous since they do not announce the party dates until 5 months before what if they don’t do a party that night (historically last 2 years there has been one).

 

[YawningDodo]

Both plans sound really solid! The party ticket will get you in starting at 4:00, so depending on whether you stick it out until midnight, it can be up to 8 park hours without having to buy a day ticket. Do you think your kids would have a hard time not going to the park for the first day or the morning of the second? Being on the monorail may make "but why aren't we at the parks?" feelings more intense since they'll be able to see the Magic Kingdom from the resort. How late are you getting in on your travel day? How long are your travels? You all may be tired when you get in...unless it's a very short flight for you, in which case you may arrive feeling relatively fresh and with most of the day ahead of you. That would impact my choice in your situation.

I was about to suggest that you put HDDR into Day 1 of Plan B to keep things more lively, but then reread more carefully and realized you're ahead of me. You could also do something along the lines of miniature golf on Day 2 if you need to fill time between the breakfast ADR and the party (or on day 1, even). I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to get a party ticket--once they announce the dates you can always buy a set of one day tickets for Day 2 instead if they don't have a party that night (I'd just build the more expensive ticket option into the budget for now if you decide to do it that way).

In perfect honesty, if it were me I'd be inclined to go with Plan A because I always want to cram in as much park time as possible. That doesn't mean it's the right answer, though, or that you wouldn't have fun with Plan B. Plan B offers two new experiences, which is a good metric, too.

One last thought: would a water park on Day 1 be any easier or less costly than going to MK?

 

[dnllmz]

Both plans sound great. We loved the Bon Voyage breakfast. I was going to say option B but then I read you won't be at the parks for 3-4 years. If budget is an issue with Plan A, what if you stay somewhere less expensive like WL or an Epcot area resort. You'd be near HS. We stayed at the Boardwalk last trip and really loved the location. Or you could do a Royal Room at Riverside for your princess lovers.

 

[YawningDodo]

Yes, seconding dnllmz--it occurred to me after I posted that switching to a non-monorail resort might open up some options for you. By staying at a lower-price deluxe resort, or even a moderate (I love Port Orleans French Quarter, as do many others), you could take away some of the sting of Plan A's costs. Or....

In the opposite direction, might I suggest the Yacht Club or Beach Club? Plan B calls for a lot of pool time, and the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts have access to a shared swim/slide/play area that's much more elaborate than anything at the monorail resorts. If you're going to spend a bunch of time at the pool, go for the fanciest, most exciting pool on property! The downside is that you can't see the MK fireworks from there, but you should be able to see at least parts of Illuminations (Epcot's fireworks) from the resort. Not sure if you can see the DHS fireworks from there.

 

[Distinkt]

MNSSHP is fantastic, I would definitely go that route. The kids will love it. I would go as soon as you can get in, usually at 4 and that way you can get some time in so that you do not stay out too late. I think it is not to be missed if it is an option.

 

[dnllmz]

[QUOTE="YawningDodo, post: 59174168, member: 530531"In the opposite direction, might I suggest the Yacht Club or Beach Club? Plan B calls for a lot of pool time, and the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts have access to a shared swim/slide/play area that's much more elaborate than anything at the monorail resorts. If you're going to spend a bunch of time at the pool, go for the fanciest, most exciting pool on property! The downside is that you can't see the MK fireworks from there, but you should be able to see at least parts of Illuminations (Epcot's fireworks) from the resort. Not sure if you can see the DHS fireworks from there.[/QUOTE]

From the Boardwalk you can see the HS fireworks a little bit. It's not a great view but still really cool to be able to watch from there (plus you can eat ice cream from Ample Hills soooo good). I would think you could see them from Y/BC too.

 

[dcassetta]

Both plans sound nice. Are your kids big Toy Story fans? That would make DHS special.

MNSSHP is a lot of fun.

As a way to save money - a stay at a moderate and spend the day at one of the water parks. You might also look at the rates for the Swan and Dolphin.

 

[KGmomoftwins]

Both plans sound really solid! The party ticket will get you in starting at 4:00, so depending on whether you stick it out until midnight, it can be up to 8 park hours without having to buy a day ticket. Do you think your kids would have a hard time not going to the park for the first day or the morning of the second? Being on the monorail may make "but why aren't we at the parks?" feelings more intense since they'll be able to see the Magic Kingdom from the resort. How late are you getting in on your travel day? How long are your travels? You all may be tired when you get in...unless it's a very short flight for you, in which case you may arrive feeling relatively fresh and with most of the day ahead of you. That would impact my choice in your situation.

I was about to suggest that you put HDDR into Day 1 of Plan B to keep things more lively, but then reread more carefully and realized you're ahead of me. You could also do something along the lines of miniature golf on Day 2 if you need to fill time between the breakfast ADR and the party (or on day 1, even). I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to get a party ticket--once they announce the dates you can always buy a set of one day tickets for Day 2 instead if they don't have a party that night (I'd just build the more expensive ticket option into the budget for now if you decide to do it that way).

In perfect honesty, if it were me I'd be inclined to go with Plan A because I always want to cram in as much park time as possible. That doesn't mean it's the right answer, though, or that you wouldn't have fun with Plan B. Plan B offers two new experiences, which is a good metric, too.

One last thought: would a water park on Day 1 be any easier or less costly than going to MK?

Our flight would be a direct one but would require a 4am rise and shine! I'm hoping to rent DVC points for a standard studio and would be up to staying DVC in the EPCOT ones but I've read they are difficult reservations to secure. Plus our girls love the MK fireworks! I totally forgot about the water parks they would love that and tickets are not bad for that time of year! Disney decisions are so hard!

 

[KGmomoftwins]

Are your kids big Toy Story fans? That would make DHS special

Not really but mom and dad are

 

[Dug720]

Our flight would be a direct one but would require a 4am rise and shine! I'm hoping to rent DVC points for a standard studio and would be up to staying DVC in the EPCOT ones but I've read they are difficult reservations to secure. Plus our girls love the MK fireworks! I totally forgot about the water parks they would love that and tickets are not bad for that time of year! Disney decisions are so hard!

One thing to keep in mind is DVC is almost never ready for an early check-in, so if a nap is going to be in order I would just be aware.

 

[YawningDodo]

Unfortunately I don’t know much about DVC. I’d still look into your other resort options, but that does shift the price, as I understand it. Sounds like you have good reasoning for the monorail.

Man, I don’t know. I think you’ve got two good options, three if you’re considering a water park now. I guess take that as comfort? I don’t think you can make a wrong choice here.

 

[Quellman]

Ugh, choosing between a less packed vacation (Plan B) or visiting Toy Story Land (Option A). I am sure the studios will still be busy for sure from the opening. I would choose B, helps with cost, helps with husband issues. I wouldn't really recommend Contemporary for the pool though, so if you end up at that hotel, consider option A.

 

[MonaMN]

I would personally stay somewhere more affordable (POR or Coronado) so you can do both HS and MNSSHP - I would rather pay for park time than the monorail, especially given how often it has issues.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Have you considered one of the WL DVC resorts to try to save some money? We stayed there twice last year and attended both MNSHHP and MVMCP and it was super easy to get back to WL after the parties. The boats actually seemed less crowded with less lines than the monorail (we always left after the fireworks).

 

[su_A_ve]

August 2019 - hopefully Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge would be open.

 

[KGmomoftwins]

Thanks for sharing I’ve always wanted to stay here but was worried about a really late night and how long it would take to get back good to know the boats are running!!!

Have you considered one of the WL DVC resorts to try to save some money? We stayed there twice last year and attended both MNSHHP and MVMCP and it was super easy to get back to WL after the parties. The boats actually seemed less crowded with less lines than the monorail (we always left after the fireworks).

w

 

[KGmomoftwins]

I know!!!! May the fourth be with you!!!

August 2019 - hopefully Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge would be open.

 

[ciahanna]

The Halloween party is well worth the money if you go that route.
We had three days before our 2016 cruise and we did the parks since it was DD's first Disney trip. After being constantly on the go in the parks it made relaxing on the cruise that much sweeter! Given the choice I'd probably do DHS and MNSSHP. Like I said, you'll have plenty of time to relax on the boat.
Just another thought for dinner is 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. Cinderella and Price Charming were wonderful to meet and the step sisters and Lady Tremaine were a hoot! Our DD is special needs and they all were great with her, stopping back a few times. The food was excellent as well.